ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly denounced the US-supported aid mission in Gaza, calling it “inherently unsafe” and warning that “it is killing people.”
Guterres criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new initiative promoted by the US and Israel, stating that the operation pushes desperate civilians into militarized zones, putting their lives at serious risk.
The UN has refused to participate in the GHF operation, citing concerns over its neutrality and the forced displacement of people due to its aid delivery methods.
According to Guterres, humanitarian access is being severely restricted, and even aid workers are suffering from starvation.
He reminded Israel of its obligations as the occupying power to ensure safe and unhindered aid flow into Gaza.
“People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families,” he said. “The search for food must never be a death sentence.”
Hundreds Killed Seeking Aid
Following the partial lifting of an 11-week Israeli blockade on May 19, the UN reported that over 400 Palestinians have died while trying to access food aid.
A majority of these deaths occurred near GHF-operated aid sites.
Guterres reiterated that political courage is needed to establish a ceasefire in Gaza and end the cycle
of violence.
Israel, GHF Push Back Against Accusations
Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the UN’s criticism, saying the military does not target civilians and accusing the UN of supporting Hamas by opposing GHF.
GHF also denied any deaths near its facilities, claiming its operations are secure and effective.
The organization has distributed more than 48 million meals since it began operations on May 26 and is funded with $30 million from the US government.
Israel and the US allege that Hamas has diverted aid from UN operations, a claim the group denies.
